Ovation

ITS TIME TO MEET THE FULL CAST FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION!!

The full casting for the brand new musical Here & Now from STEPS ahead of its world premiere production coming to Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre.

The cast will be led by Rebecca Lock (Elf, School of Rock, Heathers) as Caz McGovern, Hiba Elchikhe (The Time Traveller’s Wife, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Aladdin) as Neeta Thakkar, Basement Jaxx lead vocalist Sharlene Hector (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, A Strange Loop, Dreamgirls) as Vel King and Blake Patrick Anderson (Rent, Hair, Be More Chill) as Robbie Davies.

Joining them will be Finty Williams (The Baker’s Wife), Dan Partridge (Grease), Helen Colby (Sinatra the Musical), Gary Milner (Kiss Me, Kate), River Medway (House of Cleopatra) Edward Baker Duly (The King and I) and John Stacey (Kiss Me, Kate), will join the cast as Patricia, Ben, Tracey, Gareth, Jem, Max and Lesley respectively.

The cast is completed by Olivia Bella (professional debut), Jabari Braham (Hello, Dolly!), Michael Carolan (Shrek), Alex Christian (Disney’s Newsies), Kade Ferraiolo (I Should Be So Lucky), Jemma Geanaus (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), Charlie-Jay Johnson (Company, Bird College), Serina Mathew (The Time Traveller’s Wife), Jago Mottart (Jesus Christ Superstar), Markus Sodergren (Heathers the Musical) and Genevieve Taylor (Wicked).

Here & Now is set to run at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre from the 9th to the 30th November 2024, with tickets on sale now.

THE 22ND NOVEMBER IS INCHING ITS WAY CLOSER!

The anticipation for the first release of Wicked continues to grow. Check out the first look character portraits of the upcoming motion picture release.

We imagine it's almost as excited as we are, lol.

📸 Universal Pictures

OUR FIRST ROUND OF GUESTS IN THE STUDIO THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON 1-4 PM!

Your Award Winning theatre radio show is live on the air this Sunday afternoon 1-4 pm only on City Sound! This week, we will be chatting with Kieran & Wylie from Chelmsford Amateur Operatic Society (CAODS) about their upcoming production of The Wedding Singer, coming to Chelmsford Theatre from the 24th September

It's 1985, and rock star wannabe, Robbie Hart, is New Jersey's favourite wedding singer. He's the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

Based on the hit movie, The Wedding Singer takes us straight back to the 80’s with big hair and a score that will have you dancing in your seat.

The production runs from the 24th of September at the Chelmsford Theatre, Essex, with tickets on sale now.




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WE HAVE THE INTIAL CASTING FOR THE RETURN OF THE PRODUCERS!!!

The first major London revival of Mel Brooks’ musical adaptation of THE PRODUCERS will be staged at the Menier this winter by Tony Award-winning director Patrick Marber and Broadway choreographer Lorin Latarro.

Based on the classic cult film of the same name, the original Broadway production won twelve Tony Awards, and skewers Broadway traditions, taking no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself an “equal opportunity offender!”

The laugh-out-loud production opens on the 9th December, with previews from the 2nd November, and runs until the 1st March 2025.

IT'S TIME TO MEET THE NEW CAST OF THE CHOIR OF MAN!!!

We are massive fans of this gorgeous production. As it swings its way into its 3rd year at The Arts Theatre in the heart of London's West End, we have a new cast!!!

The new company take their first curtain call from the 17th of September, and we can not be more excited to see them in action. This production is a non-stop fun filled, feel-good show all about community and coming together with your friends.

WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE A RUMOUR!!!

Broadway World has reported on the rumour (and we are totally here for it) that Britney Spears could be working on the new motion picture of Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice's classic musical 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' with Jon M. Chu at the helm.

Spears took to social media to share an update on her upcoming projects, writing "The project I might be doing isn't a bopic story, it's a fictional musical where I play an extremely intelligent character. It's flattering to be in such good company like Jon Chu."

The question is, which part could it be? The narrator? Or maybe Potipher's wife?

WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE A SNEAK PEEK INSIDE THE REHEARSAL ROOM!!!

Check out the sneak peek inside the rehearsal room of the upcoming London production of Waiting for Godot coming to The Theatre Royal Haymarket this September!

Lucian Msamati (Game of Thrones) and Ben Whishaw (Paddington ) star alongside Tom Edden (Crazy For You) and Jonathan Slinger (title roles in Richard II and Richard III in RSC Histories) in a landmark new production of Samuel Beckett’s towering masterpiece WAITING FOR GODOT, from multi award-winning director James Macdonald (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?).

Didi and Gogo wait by a tree for a man named Godot. They don’t know who he is, why they are meeting or what time he is coming – only that something incredible could happen when he does…

Witty and absurd, poignant and profound, WAITING FOR GODOT’s timeless take on what it means to be human makes it one of the defining works of the 20th century.

Don’t miss the play that changed the rules. WAITING FOR GODOT opens at the historic Theatre Royal Haymarket for a strictly limited run from the 13th September 2024.

OUR FIRST ROUND OF GUESTS IN THE STUDIO THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON 1-4 PM!

Your Award Winning theatre radio show is live on the air this Sunday afternoon 1-4 pm only on City Sound! This week, we will be chatting with Chelmsford Amateur Operatic Society (CAODS) about their upcoming production of The Wedding Singer, coming to Chelmsford Theatre from the 24th September

It's 1985, and rock star wannabe, Robbie Hart, is New Jersey's favourite wedding singer. He's the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

Based on the hit movie, The Wedding Singer takes us straight back to the 80’s with big hair and a score that will have you dancing in your seat.

The production runs from the 24th of September at the Chelmsford Theatre, Essex, with tickets on sale now.

caods (Chelmsford Amateur Operatic And Dramatic Society)
Chelmsford Theatre
City Sound

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TITANIQUE IS SAILING INTO THE WEST END THIS FESTIVE SEASON!

Bringing together the music of Celine Dion with the blockbuster film Titanic, Titanique has become an off-Broadway sensation, receiving critical acclaim and multiple awards since its premiere.

It will now dock into the West End at the Criterion Theatre beginning on the 9th December 2024, ahead of a press night on the 9th January 2025. With full casting to be revealed at a later date.

Titanique is directed by Blue (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and choreographed by Ellenore Scott (Funny Girl, Little Shop of Horrors).

Producer Eva Price said: “Producing Titanique has been a thrill of a lifetime. I’m so grateful to have productions now happening all over the world, but I’m beyond ecstatic to be coming to the West End. London has always been the epicenter of quality, show-stopping entertainment and I couldn’t be happier then to be dropping anchor in Piccadilly Circus at the esteemed Criterion Theatre. I am thrilled Londoners will soon experience the unhinged delight that Titanique brings night after night to Americans.”

NEW BOHEMIANS COMING TO THE MOULIN ROUGE!!!!

The smash hit musical continues to hold residency at the Piccadilly Theatre in London's West End. From the 14th October 2024, Natalie Kassanga (Dreamgirls, Crazy for You) will play Satine, while Dom Simpson (The Book of Mormon) will continue as Christian. Craig Ryder (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) will take on the role of Harold Zidler, having previously covered the role.

Dex Lee (The Scottsboro Boys) joins the show as Toulouse-Lautrec, joining Ben Richards (Emmerdale) as the Duke, Ivan De Freitas (& Juliet) as Santiago and Charlotte Gooch (Dirty Dancing) as Nini.

ITS BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE WE'VE BEEN TO THE LYCEUM THEATRE!

For one of us, it's been 3 years since a visit and over a decade for the other one. The Lyceum Theatre is a gorgeous venue with a stunning auditorium. We can not wait for this afternoons matinée, this is a show that never gets old.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'HARD HITTING, RAW & FILLED WITH PASSION!'

We were invited along to see returning production of 'You Won't Help Me' playing a limited run at The Network Theatre, Waterloo. The production returns following a strong run at The Other Palace Theatre Studio in 2023 with a brand new cast.

The show follows the relationship of David & Sarah from proposal to their wedding night with all the trials and tribulations expected and some that we wish were not. The term Domestic Violence sends shivers down your spine and as the audience enters into the intimate auditorium trigger warnings are shown and explained prior to the start and any audience member triggered by what is portrayed will be fully supported by the company and Theatre front of House, if they choose to leave the auditorium.

The narrative shows how domestic violence has an effect on not only the victim but also navigates the friendship circles, understanding, missed red flags, and final moments. Phoenix Benham as writer & playing the role of Sarah should be commended for her continuous work on raising awareness through art and as a strong, raw, and wonderful portrayal that kept the audience engaged.

Ania Lyes & Katie Doran as Sarah's best friends Kelly & Michelle were wonderful, bringing a natural truth and innocence to the piece. Doran's connection and chemistry with Drayk Wayer's portrayal as Michael, the larger than life member of the group, was a joy to watch.

Peter Lewis as David was no easy feet, but his arc and skill as the character developed was at times difficult to watch, but beautifully done.

It took a little while to fully connect with characters, and the changes of scenes felt a little laboured, but as the events unfurled, the audience was brought into the world the company has created. Each moment crafted well, with thought & nuanced intention. It is a difficult piece, but an important one.

It plays until the 1st of September at The Network Theatre.

THE LONDON REVIVAL ANNOUNCES CAST RECORDING RELEASE DATE!

The Jamie Lloyd production closed at The Savoy Theatre starring Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond has announced the release date of the revivals cast recording!

To coincide with the Broadway run, a cast album recorded live at the Savoy Theatre during the recent West End engagement will be released globally on the 25th October via The Other Songs, a label founded by Alastair and Billy Webber, the sons of Sunset Boulevard composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.

AD: AN EVENING SHOW OF FRINGE THEATRE!!!

We have been kindly invited to see the return of 'You Won't Help Me' from Tatts n Talent Theatre. It was last seen at The Other Palace and returns on a limited run until the 1st September at The Network Theatre, Waterloo.

The piece has taken true accounts of domestic abuse and brought it to the stafe to raise awareness and support the incredible charity that helps support those who have become victims. Stay tuned for our full review coming out on our social media tomorrow morning.

AN AFTERNOON MATINÉE? WHY THE DEVIL NOT!?!?

We are extremely excited to be able to catch the West End transfer of this production. With its incredible cast, reviews, and insane Broadway cast recording, we have no doubt we are in for an absolute treat!

The transfer from Donmar Warehouse is only running at The Wyndham’s Theatre until the 21st of September!

AN EVENING IN THE SUMMERS OPEN AIR!!!

Regent’s Open Air Theatre has become a regular part of our summer season of theatre adventures. There is something truly magical in this setting in the middle of Regent’s Park.

We can not wait for this year's musical offering of Fiddler on the Roof, which has extended its run through until the 28th of September.

WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE A SNEAK PEEK INSIDE THE REHEARSAL ROOM!!!

Following a completely sold-out run, Cable Street returns. 

It’s October 1936 in the heart of London’s East End. Sammy, Mairead and Ron are carving out their own futures on Cable Street when Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists start to march on East London. 

One hundred thousand Jews, Irish workers and communists unite to blockade the road they call home. As the people raise their voices and take a united stand against hatred, the lives of the streets’ residents are changed forever.

Featuring a contemporary score, Cable Street is an electrifying reimagining of one of London’s most significant days. A celebration of community and a rallying call to action, this timeless story is as powerful today as it ever was.

The production runs from the 6th September to the 10th October at the Southwark Playhouse, Elephant. Tickets are already limited, book now before you miss out!!

📸 Eamonn B Shanahan

CATCHUP IS LIVE FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE!!!

If you missed yesterday's show with the amazing Harlow Amateur Theatre Society, catchup is live via the link!

Jody, Morgan & Mitchell were chatting about their upcoming production of Rock of Ages, which comes to the Harlow Playhouse from the 2nd of October. For full venue and ticketing information, please follow the links below. We also bring you the latest news, views, rumours and music from the world of theatre!!!

https://www.mixcloud.com/OvationR/ovation-harlow-theatre-society-250824/

WE LOVE IT WHEN THEY TEASE!!!

Good news, songbirds! A Hadestown West End cast recording is on the way, according to a teaser video, the production shared via Instagram. An official release date has not yet been announced. 

The London return of the Tony-winning musical officially opened at the Lyric Theatre on the 21st February. It’s not clear which cast members will be featured because the show’s leads Dónal Finn and Grace Hodgett played their final performance as Orpheus and Eurydice, respectively, on the 25th August.

A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO HARLOW AMATEUR THEATRE SOCIETY FOR JOINING US!!!

A massive thank you to Jody, Morgan & Mitchell for joining us in the studio this afternoon to chat about their upcoming production of Rock of Ages coming to the Harlow Theatre from the 2nd October!

Set in the late 1980’s, California;”. Sherrie, a small town girl, heads to the bright lights of LA to pursue her dreams of acting stardom. She meets Drew, a bartender at the legendary Bourbon Room, who has dreams to be a rock star.

If you missed today's show, it'll be live on catchup from tomorrow morning, and you can't book your tickets for Rock of Ages via the link below!

https://harlowplayhouse.co.uk/event/hats-presents-rock-of-ages/

CHECK OUT OUR FINAL GUEST IN THE STUDIO THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON 1-4 PM!

Your Award Winning theatre radio show is live as per usual this Sunday afternoon 1-4 pm only on City Sound! This week, we will be chatting to Jody Randall from Harlow Amateur Theatre Society (HATS) about their upcoming production of Rock of Ages, coming to The Harlow Playhouse from the 2nd October.

Set in the late 1980’s, California;”. Sherrie, a small town girl, heads to the bright lights of LA to pursue her dreams of acting stardom. She meets Drew, a bartender at the legendary Bourbon Room, who has dreams to be a rock star.

Developers have come to LA, with the idea of bulldozing the Strip, much to the disgust of Dennis (the Bourbon’s owner) and Lonny (the resident sound engineer and narrator of the show). They meet resistance from Regina (the Mayor’s former planning officer) who wants the strip to remain.






💻Listen live at www.citysound.radio
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Contact the studio
WhatsApp 07568 771825
Email [email protected]

A NEW PIECE COMES TO THE NETWORK THEATRE WATERLOO ON A STRICTLY LIMITED RUN!

You Won‘t Help Me’ truly is a play like no other. This is not just a play about domestic violence. The script was written by Phoenix Benham, who has created the play, based on her own experiences from three separate abusive relationships.

It doesn’t just tackle domestic violence. It forces the audience to be completely immersed within the lives they watch, as the relationships evolve, and all of the very real situations they find themselves in. The piece also focuses on all of the affected parties and allows them to speak for how society often reacts to domestic violence relationships.

The piece runs at The Network Theatre, London Waterloo, from the 28th of August until the 1st of September. With tickets selling fast. Follow the links below for full ticketing and venue information.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR CAKE: MARIE ANTOINETTE PLAYLIST!

As previously announced, the cast will feature Z**i Strallen (Mary Poppins, Strictly Ballroom) as Marie Antoinette and Renée Lamb (Be More Chill, Six) as Jeanne.

Joining them are Millie O’Connell (Six, The Cher Show) as Nicole and Travis Ross, who reprises his role as the Cardinal from the 2023 UK tour of Cake. The ensemble includes Lila Eccles (Cinderella), Tarik Frimpong (The Drifters Girl), Sunny Lee (Hillsong Carols), Zara MacIntosh (& Juliet), Emma Robotham-Hunt (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), and Manu Sarswat (London stage debut).

Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist combines a multi-genre pop score with 18th century France to tell the story of Marie Antoinette, whose reign was marked by scandal and intrigue. The musical, which was originally commissioned by Paul Taylor-Mills, features a book by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and Tasha Taylor Johnson, with music and lyrics by Jack McManus and Tasha Taylor-Johnson.

The production is set to run at The Other Palace from the 13th September to the 10th November 2024. And in celebration of Marie Antoinette's birthday, the opening two nights, all tickets are priced at £17.55.

A NEW CAST WILL JOIN THE CABARET FROM SEPTEMBER IN LONDON!

Adam Gillen and Katherine Langford will join the cast of Cabaret as the Emcee & SallyBowles. Playing a limited engagement at the Kit Kat Club from the 23rd September to the 25th January 2025.

Gillen is best known for his Olivier Award-nominated performance in Killer Joe at Trafalgar Studios. His other theatre credits include Amadeus at the National Theatre and I, Joan; Henry VIII; and Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare’s Globe.

Langford is best known for the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination, and the movie Knives Out, for which she won a Satellite Award as part of Best Ensemble: Motion Picture. She now makes her West End debut in Cabaret.

Other new cast members joining on the 23rd September include Daniel Bowerbank as Clifford Bradshaw, Fred Haig as Ernst Ludwig, Xenoa Campbell-Ledgister, Sam Darius, Adrian Grove, Justin-Lee Jones, Alexandra Regan, Marina Tavolieri, Ben Simon Wilson, Anne-Marie Wojna, and Lucy Young.

CHECK OUT OUR SECOND GUEST IN THE STUDIO THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON 1-4 PM!

Your Award Winning theatre radio show is live as per usual this Sunday afternoon 1-4 pm only on City Sound! This week, we will be chatting to Mitchell Walsh from Harlow Amateur Theatre Society (HATS) about their upcoming production of Rock of Ages, coming to The Harlow Playhouse from the 2nd October.

Set in the late 1980’s, California;”. Sherrie, a small town girl, heads to the bright lights of LA to pursue her dreams of acting stardom. She meets Drew, a bartender at the legendary Bourbon Room, who has dreams to be a rock star.

Developers have come to LA, with the idea of bulldozing the Strip, much to the disgust of Dennis (the Bourbon’s owner) and Lonny (the resident sound engineer and narrator of the show). They meet resistance from Regina (the Mayor’s former planning officer) who wants the strip to remain.





💻Listen live at www.citysound.radio
📱On app
🔊Tell your smart speaker to ‘play city sound radio’

Contact the studio
WhatsApp 07568 771825
Email [email protected]

WEST END TRANSFER ANNOUNCED FOR THE CRITERION THEATRE!

I Wish You Well: The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski-Trial Musical is heading to the West End.

Penned by Roger Dipper and Rick Pearson, I Wish You Well is a four-hander parody that revolves around the infamous celebrity trial of Gwyneth Paltrow vs Terry Sanderson, following a ski slope collision.

The full Edinburgh cast is set to return for the West End run, including Diana Vickers (Dial M for Murder) as Gwyneth, Marc Antolin (Quiz) as Terry, Tori Allen-Martin (Wild About You) as Kristin and Idriss Kargbo (Wicked) as Judge Jude.

The Edinburgh Fringe hit will run at the Criterion Theatre from the 11th September to the 12th October 2024. With tickets on sale now, please follow the links below for more information.

A NEW PRODUCTION ANNOUNCED FOR THE BARBICAN 2025!

Cate Blanchett and Tom Burke make their return to the stage in Thomas Ostermeier's new production of Chekhov’s THE SEAGULL.

Blanchett stars as Arkadina, a celebrated actress whose larger-than-life presence dominates both the stage and her personal relationships. Arriving at her family's country estate for the weekend, she finds herself caught up in a storm of conflicting desires. Her playwright son, Konstantin, struggles to step out of her shadow as he pursues his own artistic ambitions and her lover Trigorin, played by Tom Burke, becomes the object of affection for the aspiring young actress Nina.

📸 Steven Chee & Rhys Frampton

BACK IN THE WEST END FOR THIS ONE!!!

It's been well over a decade since we last saw this production. We couldn't make opening night, and we are beyond excited to be at Trafalgar Theatre for 39 steps!